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ACT or SAT - which is easier?

I've been studying for both the ACT and SAT but can't really decide which one feels easier. What do you guys think? For those who've taken either or both, which do you reckon is easier to score high in?

3 months ago

The "easiness" of the ACT or SAT really depends on your personal strengths. Some students find the ACT easier, and some find the SAT easier, while many find both equally challenging but in different ways.

Generally speaking, the ACT tends to be faster-paced, with a larger number of questions in the same amount of time as the SAT, or even less. You may prefer the ACT if you can read and think quickly under pressure. The ACT also has a Science section, which doesn't require deep scientific knowledge but assesses your ability to interpret data and read graphs.

On the other hand, the SAT tends to delve deeper into the material, particularly math, and has a more relaxed time structure. It’s often the choice for strong math students and students who appreciate more time to ponder each question. The SAT also offers some higher level math topics like trigonometry, complex numbers, and more advanced algebra. If you feel comfortable with these topics, it might be to your advantage.

The Reading sections are pretty comparable in difficulty between the two exams. For Writing (ACT) and Writing and Language (SAT), the ACT has more emphasis on punctuation, whereas the SAT focuses more on word choice and style.

My advice is to take a timed practice test for both the ACT and SAT and see which one you feel more comfortable with - this is usually a good indicator of which test will be "easier" for you.

3 months ago

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